Its all about the Inductance of the Cartridge and what effect it has, combined with the Capacitive load.
My understanding is this. Classic MM carts, like say a Shure M75, have a resonance which is in the high part of the audio range. The ‘right’ Capacitance will tame this.
MC carts still have such a HF resonance, but because their Inductance is lower, the resonance is at a much higher frequency, beyond the audio range. So they are less affected by Capacitance.
YMMV, etc… 
yes and the NSC222, but Naim finally moved to 100pF with the Nait 50 and the NVC-TT boards.
I agree with your general outline that the right pairings of phono board and cartridge should be auditioned (which alas is not so easy to do at dealers). From what I read here different ears prefer different pairings in different systems. Example the Linn Adikt with Naim 470pF phono in the Nait 2 was a big no-no here, somewhat better with the Nait XS3, yet others rave about the pairing.
So a lot of trial-and-error involved I’m afraid, but when you get it right for you it’s great!
This is my Japanese-built Ortofon ST-7 MC step up transformer between my LP12/ARO/Linn Troika and Nait50. A great little combo!
Interesting, I was also recommended the ST-7 over a Fono/Aria by my Rega dealer. I was told in demos many of their customers prefer the MC via step-up into MM over the MC phono.
All I know is that Ortofon has started promoting step-ups again for a while now for their SPU series. Available from dealers here so no need to find vintage ones like the ST-5 inlines and AT step-ups regularly depicted here on the forum. And that custom step-ups is a big thing in Asia.
I have not listened to them yet, how did you come up with the ST-7 @anon70766008 ?
I had bought an ARO which had been rewired and refurbished by Linn (not Naim), and it came with a knackered Linn Troika at no extra cost - a cartridge that I had always regretted not owning. I sent the Troika to David Giffin at Goldring to be rebuilt/refurbished, and set about finding a step up transformer, and I found the Ortofon ST-7 online from Japan.
It’s a fantastic combination.
Of course, if it really bothers someone, there is a simple solution. But forum rules stop us saying what that is. But I think it’s obvious.
Mine doesn’t sound particulalrly rolled off. And indeed I’m using a cartridge that was reviewed well when used on the same turntable and a SN3 phonostage as having a natural synergy so I’m happy to leave things as they are. Certainly, when I go from my NDX to my turntable on a StageLine N I don’t think, where did my top end go?
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